Aja Evans stands as one of the most powerful brakemen in U.S. bobsled history. From her roots on the track at the University of Illinois to the icy chutes of Sochi and PyeongChang, she carved out a legacy defined by explosive strength and resilience. Her impact on the sport remains significant.
In this article, you will know Aja Evans’ net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship status, and more details about her life as an elite athlete.
Aja Evans’ Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Aja L. Evans |
| Date of Birth | May 12, 1988 |
| Age | 37 |
| Education | University of Illinois (Bachelor’s in Sports Management) |
| Nationality | American |
| Hometown | Chicago, Illinois |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Weight | Approx. 175 lbs (79 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2012 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1 Million – $1.5 Million |
| Career Earnings | ~$30,000 (Est.) |
| Marital Status | Single / Private |
| Famous Relatives | Fred Evans (Brother, NFL), Gary Matthews (Uncle, MLB) |
| Instagram Profile | @ajalevans |
| Twitter Profile | @AjaLEvans |
Early Career
Aja Evans grew up in a family where athletic excellence was the standard, not the exception. Born in Chicago, Illinois, she attended Morgan Park High School. Her natural power became evident early on as she dominated in track and field.
She won the city championships in sprints and shot put, showing a rare combination of speed and strength that would later define her bobsled career.
She continued her athletic journey at the University of Illinois. There, she became a five-time All-American and a three-time Big Ten Champion in shot put.
Her family tree is full of professional athletes. Her brother, Fred Evans, played defensive tackle in the NFL for the Minnesota Vikings.
Her uncle, Gary Matthews, and cousin, Gary Matthews Jr., both had long careers in Major League Baseball. This environment helped her develop the mental toughness required for professional sports.
Professional Career
Aja Evans switched from track to bobsled in 2012 after her college coach suggested she try out. She attended a combine and scored a perfect 800 out of 800 points on the physical tests.
This performance immediately caught the attention of USA Bobsled coaches. She quickly moved up the ranks to become a brakeman for top pilots like Elana Meyers Taylor and Jamie Greubel Poser.
Her biggest moment came at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. She paired with pilot Jamie Greubel Poser to win the bronze medal in the two-woman bobsled event.
She continued to compete at a high level, winning a bronze medal at the 2017 World Championships and finishing fifth at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang.
Although she aimed for the 2022 and 2026 games, she faced setbacks, including a two-year suspension that ended in late 2024 and a lawsuit she filed regarding athlete safety.
Aja Evans’ Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Aja Evans has an estimated net worth of roughly $1 million. This wealth comes from her decade-long career as an Olympic athlete, grants from the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), and various sponsorship deals.
Career Earnings
| Year/Event | Source | Estimated Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Olympic Bronze Medal Bonus | ~$10,000 – $15,000 |
| 2017 | World Championship Bronze Bonus | ~$5,000 – $10,000 |
| 2012-2018 | USOPC Monthly Stipends | ~$2,000 – $4,000/month |
| 2019 | Event Appearance Fees | ~$30,000 (Est.) |
| 2026 | Competition Earnings | $0 (Inactive) |
Endorsements
She has partnered with BMW, which not only sponsors the U.S. Bobsled team but also featured her in individual commercials to highlight their engineering of the team’s sleds.
Additionally, she was a key ambassador for Procter & Gamble during the “Thank You, Mom” and “Love Over Bias” campaigns, where she shared her personal story with a global audience.
Other notable partnerships include deals with Polo Ralph Lauren, which outfitted Team USA, and Wintrust Financial.
These endorsements provide critical financial support for travel and training while allowing her to use her platform to inspire the next generation of female athletes.
Career Stats
| Competition | Event | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 Sochi Olympics | Two-Woman Bobsled | Bronze Medal |
| 2018 PyeongChang Olympics | Two-Woman Bobsled | 5th Place |
| 2017 World Championships | Two-Woman Bobsled | Bronze Medal |
| World Cup Career | Various Tracks | 14 Medals (4 Gold) |
| 2013 World Championships | Team Event | 8th Place |
FAQs
1. What Olympic medals has Evans won during her career?
She secured a bronze medal at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics while competing as a brakeman. Additionally, she won a bronze medal at the 2017 World Championships and earned multiple World Cup podium finishes throughout her career.
2. Why did Evans file a lawsuit against a team doctor?
She filed a civil lawsuit alleging that a former team chiropractor sexually abused her over several years. The legal complaint accuses the federation of failing to protect athletes and ignoring reports of the doctor’s misconduct.
3. Did she compete in other sports before bobsledding?
Yes, before she started bobsledding, she excelled as a track and field athlete at the University of Illinois. She earned All-American honors five times and won three Big Ten championships specifically in the shot put event.
4. Why did anti-doping officials suspend her from competition?
The United States Anti-Doping Agency suspended her for two years because she failed to provide a sample during a testing window. An arbitrator ruled her failure was negligent rather than an intentional attempt to conceal doping.
5. Who is Evans’ famous brother in the NFL?
Her brother is Fred Evans, who played professional football in the NFL as a defensive tackle. He spent most of his professional career with the Minnesota Vikings after playing college football at Texas State University.
